EDMONTON — How many undisputed, top-tier No. 1 defensemen exist in the National Hockey League today? The list is short, featuring names like Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, Zach Werenski, Lane Hutson, Victor Hedman, Josh Morrissey, and Shea Theodore. It`s widely acknowledged there aren`t 32 such players for 32 NHL teams – perhaps closer to half that number.
Therefore, when a team possesses a 6-foot-3, right-shot defenseman capable of quarterbacking a potent power play, logging significant minutes (up to 27 when necessary), moving the puck with elite skill, and owning one of the hardest shots in hockey – especially a player whose performance elevates in high-pressure situations – letting him go would be a critical mistake.
The Edmonton Oilers would immediately face an impossible task trying to replace an Evan Bouchard. There simply isn`t another player like him readily available.
Recognizing this, general manager Stan Bowman made the necessary move. While an eight-year term was initially desired, Bowman successfully signed the 25-year-old Bouchard to a four-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $10.5 million. Bouchard is undeniably a legitimate No. 1 defenseman, and this contract reflects that status.
One area frequently cited as needing improvement for Bouchard has been defensive awareness, sometimes preventing him from being universally regarded among the NHL`s absolute top-three defensemen or a consistent lock for international tournaments like Team Canada. However, his defensive play, much like the rest of his game, significantly improves during the playoffs, demonstrating his ability to perform his best when it matters most.
Examining his performance over the past four regular seasons, Bouchard ranks ninth among defensemen in points (232), 22nd in plus/minus (plus-64), and 10th in points per game (minimum 250 games played) with 0.71.
His impact becomes even more pronounced when looking at the last four postseasons:
| Statistic | Rank Among Defensemen | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 1st | 81 |
| Games Played | Tied for 2nd | 75 |
| Goals | 1st | 20 |
| Assists | 1st | 61 |
| Power-play goals | 1st | 8 |
| Power-play points | 1st | 38 |
| Shots on goal | 1st | 212 |
In the playoffs, having a defenseman like Bouchard, with his combination of skating, composure under pressure, and exceptional puck-moving skills, can be the decisive factor that elevates a good team to a Stanley Cup contender. While the Oilers fell short in the last two Finals – and Bouchard faced challenges in a high-pressure Game 6 against the Florida Panthers – his overall playoff performance overwhelmingly contributes positively to the team`s success. He might not be the defensive force of a prime Shea Weber, but elite defensemen of that type are exceptionally rare today.
Furthermore, his presence is a significant asset to an Oilers power play featuring generational talents like Connor McDavid, elite scorer Leon Draisaitl, and one of the league`s best net-front players in Zach Hyman. Bouchard provides both exceptional passing ability and hockey`s hardest shot from the point, creating a potent offensive threat.
Data from last season highlights his shot power:
| Player | Shots between 90-100 m.p.h. |
|---|---|
| Evan Bouchard | 74 |
| Victor Hedman | 61 |
| Jake Walman | 44 |
| John Carlson | 40 |
Beyond just the hardest individual shot, Bouchard consistently fires the puck at high velocity game after game, season after season, more than any other defenseman in the league, ranking in the 99th percentile for shots between 80-90 mph and 70-80 mph.
Given his importance, there was likely no scenario where the Oilers would let their most dangerous defenseman depart, especially alongside their strong forward group. However, the 10th-overall pick from 2018 now becomes a significant piece of the team`s salary cap structure, consuming 11 percent of the Oilers` cap space.
Looking ahead, if Connor McDavid signs a contract around $17 million next summer, the combined cap hits of McDavid, Draisaitl, and Bouchard could approach 37 percent of the team`s total cap starting in the 2026-27 season. This is the cost of retaining elite players, and these salary constraints could eventually force difficult decisions, potentially leading to Bouchard wearing different colors one day.
But that day is not today, nor will it be within the next four seasons covered by his new contract.
The Edmonton Oilers secured Evan Bouchard on Monday for a straightforward reason: letting him walk would have been an act of organizational folly.
